Behavioral sampling techniques for feedlot cattle.

Continuous observations are an accu- rate method for behavioral measurements but are diffi- cult to conduct on large numbers of animals because of extensive labor requirements. Thus, we sought to develop methods of behavioral data collection in feedlot cattle production systems that reasonably approxi- mated continuous sampling. Standing, lying, feeding, drinking, and walking behaviors were examined from 224 h of continuous video from 64 heifers. Experiment 1( n= 24 heifers) compared continuous behavioral sam- pling techniques (Continuous) with scan sampling us- ing intervals of 1, 5, 10, 15, 30, and 60 min and time sampling (a technique for the periodic recording of be- havior) for the first 10 min out of every 60 min. Means for each scan sampling method did not differ in esti- mated percentage of duration of behaviors (P > 0.05) from continuous sampling, except for scan sampling with a 60-min interval. Scan sampling with a 60-min interval differed from more frequent scan sampling in- tervals for all behaviors except lying. Scan sampling with short intervals (1 and 5 min) was correlated highly with Continuous for all behaviors. The longer the scan interval, the lower the correlations, especially for be-